I have still been doing research (and reading the forum) into my window purchase, and I have some clarifications on the quotes I am currently trying to decide over.... I've decided on the company I plan to use, just trying to decide between quotes from that company. Here are the quotes: (all are from the same company/installer; the only portion that differs between the quotes is the double hung windows) Quote #1 (1) Gorell three lite casement window (2 casements with picture window) w/ Energy Master III triple pane glass (w/ full screens and internal white colonial grids) Picture window U-Value: .22, SHGC .24. Casement windows U-Value: .25, SHGC .18 (5) Mercury Excelum Harmony series Double Hung (triple pane, low e glass, full screens, internal white colonial grids) U-Value: .20, SHGC: .25 (1) MI Window and Doors Model 910 Patio Door (double pane w/ full screens and internal white colonial grids) U-Value .28, SHGC .20 PRICE: $5,055.00 Quote #2 (1) Gorell three lite casement window (2 casements with picture window) w/ Energy Master III triple pane glass (w/ full screens and internal white colonial grids) Picture window U-Value: .22, SHGC .24. Casement windows: U-Value: .25, SHGC .18 (5) Gorell Series 5300 Double hung with double pane AC Master Glass (w/ full screens, internal white colonial grids) U-Value .30, SHGC .25 (1) MI Window and Doors Model 910 Patio Door (double pane w/ full screens and internal white colonial grids) U-Value .28, SHGC .20 PRICE: $5,562.00 Quote #3 (1) Gorell three lite casement window (2 casements with picture window) w/ Energy Master III glass (w/ full screens and internal white colonial grids) Picture window U-Value: .22, SHGC .24. Casement windows U-Value: .25, SHGC .18 (5) Gorell Series 5300 Double hung with Energy Master III triple pane glass (w/ full screens, internal white colonial grids) U-Value .25, SHGC .20 (1) MI Window and Doors Model 910 Patio Door (double pane w/ full screens and internal white colonial grids) U-Value .28, SHGC .20 PRICE: $5,762.00 A few questions: 1. Does anyone have any input/opinion on MI Windows Sliding Patio Door? Their website is: http://www.miwd.com/default.aspx 2. Unfortunately, no one had any input into Mercury Excelum brand of windows.....but the company is on the NFRC list as an approved manufacturer. Does the fact that the manufacturer is on the NFRC list make it a quality window? MI Window is also on the NFRC list. 3. Between Quote 2 and Quote 3, the only difference is upgrading the Gorell 5300 glass package from the double pane package to a triple pane package. Is the improvement in U-Value and SHGC worth the additional $200.00? 4. Installation question. Is there a preference as far as a interior installation vs. exterior installation? Or is it impossible to make that judgment without seeing the house/window? Thank you for your help. mm

Thanks for your replies. It seems that a slider is a better fit in the space so now to select one. The options I found are detailed below and I really need expert input to help me feel comfortable making a decision. I have found this process confusing as doors seem to vary regionally. I am leaning toward the Simonton and read good reviews of the company on Garden Web. But I was surprised at the quote and became concerned that its lower price reflected lower quality, longevity and storm strength. So please help! 72"X80" Simonton Reflections vinyl sliding patio door with coastal hardware package, outside keyed lock, foot lock, Low e/366 glass package.Door to be installed using stainless steel fasteners, all gaps filled with foam and sealed with lifetime sealant. Quoted $1500 installed. Custom Window Systems -SERIES 8900 SLIDING GLASS DOOR, WHITE , VINYL CONSTRUCTION / DP +60/-60,STAINLESS STEEL SALTWATER PACKAGE, STAINLESS STEEL DOUBLE LOCK,INSULATED LAMINATED GLASS,LOW E 270. Quoted $2900 for impact glass and $2700 for non-impact glass installed. Neuma gliding fiberglass, flush glaze low E glass door and vinyl frame. Full installation and removal of applicable casing and trim. Quoted $2900 installed. Jeld Wen Premium Atlantic Vinyl. Low e 366 glass, coastal package. DP rating 50. Quoted $1600 installed. PGT vinyl framed (steel inside) sliding door. No details provided. Terrible salesperson. Quoted $3200 installed.

Going to work through replies: JudyG - now that I have been down there I am pretty much back to square one. The credenza is too large for the wall or how I would want to use the wall. :( I am going to check into the "goldstone" paint and try to find the SW equivalent to test out. HollyBar - The cabinetry in person is so very nice, I really feel that I need to embrace it and figure out how to lighten the mood while utilizing the built-ins. I do agree (and the decorator mentioned it as well) that I need to echo the tone of built-ins strategically. Jan Moyer - The decorator did measure and we provided him a key to our condo. He can do in any time he needs to re-check a concept. I am not a hands off person, so the measurements are for me. I will be testing out any of his suggestions while continuing to look for ideas myself. I want to be sure the end result with the decorator is "me". Tootsie - Your thought is logical and in our Maine vacation condo, that would be blocked. At this condo, the previous owner already had a wonky color. That being said, after being there, I am not going to get clever with the color and will keep the ceiling classic white like the interior of the unit. I concluded that waiting white inside and blue on the lanai, breaks up the flow between inside and outside when we open the invisible walls. BeverlyFLADeziner - I understand your point. That is just not in the budget. I need to embrace and incorporate. Joseph Corlette - Plentry of contractor options. No one paying $500 per night. Also, there are beautiful exterior stairs that I used the whole two days. We are up only two flights. There is also an elevator. There are only 16 units in the building. I never had to wait for the few times I preferred the elevator to the stairs. I think I covered it. It was an exhausting few days - two travel, two working on the condo, but we are excited. I appreciate every suggestion provided. As I wrap my head around things, I am sure I will be posting more, here or in a new thread depending. <3

Until you personally know two people who have died in a hurricane, have friends trapped during a hurricane, watch house to house searches for survivors, you cannot imagine the life-changing assessment of risk we survivors experience. Hurricanes kill. You need a plan of survival. The building codes in Florida were a direct result of Hurricane Andrew. The codes are enforced to prevent death and destruction of property. Buy and install a hurricane impact door.